Field horsetail - Equisetum arvense (Taxonomy, Characteristics, Symbolism, Images)

Field horsetail

Also known as: Mare's tail, Foxtail, Jointed rush, Western horsetail, Snake grass

Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense) grows from moist soils. In the spring it generates brown, non-photosynthetic stems whose whole purpose is to release reproductive spores. Once those stems wither, the plant grows its sterile photosynthetic stem to harvest and store energy for the next growing season. The plant fibers are slightly abrasive, and in the past were used to polish pewter and wooden objects. Ironically, field horsetail is toxic to horses and other livestock.

Scientific classification

Species

Field horsetail (Equisetum arvense)

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10 cm to 90 cm

Plant Height

20 cm

Spread

Green, Yellow, Variegated

Leaf Color

Brown

Fruit Color

Yellow, Green, Brown

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Deciduous

Leaf type

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring

Growth Season

Rapid

Growth Rate

Images of Field horsetail

Attributes of Field horsetail

Growth Rate

The rapid growth rate of field horsetail during spring culminates in robust sporophyte development. Emergence of fertile shoots and hollow stem proliferation is prominent. Growing up to 8 cm/day, its rapid growth supports its invasive nature. Moderate growth is observed in other seasons.

Distribution of Field horsetail

Distribution Map

Field horsetail is a widespread plant that is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. It thrives in a variety of habitats and has been introduced to regions in the Southern Hemisphere, where it has adapted to similar environments. Field horsetail's range extends across continents, and while it is not a cultivated species, its resilience has allowed it to establish itself in areas beyond its native distribution.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Open fields, arable land, waste places, hedgerows, roadsides

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

Field horsetail is liked by landscape gardeners for its ability to thrive in soils where other plants struggle. It can successfully grow in boggy or saturated earth and areas of poor soil. It can be used for edging, groundcover, or to create vegetative screens in herb and wildflower gardens.

Symbolism

Snake charming, Fertility

Interesting Facts

There is a common gardening piece of wisdom that is often propagated about field horsetail, but it is not true. The common gardening myth is that field horsetail can be removed from gardens by adding lime to make the soil more basic. However, the field horsetail can grow in both alkaline soils and acidic soils, making this piece of wisdom untrue.

Name Story

Field horsetail: The name "horsetail" is often used to address the entire group of the species because the branched species resembles a horse's tail. Since it is often found in the wild, it is called field horsetail.

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Toxicity

Field horsetail is toxic to cats and dogs. Ingesting any part, including seeds, can cause poisoning. Symptoms in cats include discomfort or illness, while dogs may show gastrointestinal upset or lethargy. Immediate veterinary attention is crucial if ingestion is suspected to ensure recovery. Owners should prevent pets from accessing field horsetail to avoid risks.

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Weed Control

Field horsetail is native in temperate regions in the arctic and northern hemispheres. It is an invasive, quickly spreading perennial that grows in clumps. Rhizomes can burrow up to 1.8 m down in loose soil, making the plant difficult to eradicate. These rhizomes and the plant's tubers help field horsetail to creep, eventually choking out native species. It is considered an invasive plant in all states of the US and eradication is encouraged before it becomes too established. Once field horsetail has survived one growing season, it becomes very difficult to locate and remove all of its rhizomes.

How to Control It

The best season to remove field horsetail is during springtime when the plants are young and not yet fully mature. It's critical to remove this plant before it reaches its reproductive stage, so ideally before it produces spores, which typically occurs in early summer.

Hand Pulling: Wear gloves to protect your hands. Locate the base of the field horsetail plant and grip it firmly. Pull the plant out from the ground ensuring you also remove the roots to prevent re-growth. Check the area for any small seedlings and pull them out too. Repeat this process in your entire garden until all plants are removed.
Covering: Cover the area densely populated with field horsetail with thick layers of newspaper and mulch. The idea is to block sunlight and thus, prevent the plant from photosynthesizing. This should be done during peak growing seasons (spring/summer). Replace the newspaper and mulch as needed until the field horsetail is no longer a problem.
Regular Mowing: Regularly mow your lawn at a height that prevents field horsetail from receiving enough sunlight, as this plant prefers to grow in sunny conditions. Mow before the field horsetail reaches its reproductive stage to prevent the spread of spores.
Herbicide Application: If infestation persists, use a natural herbicide, preferably one made from vinegar. Spray it directly onto the plant, ensuring you cover all parts of it. Keep in mind herbs and other desirable plants in the area, as you don't want to harm them with the herbicide.
Introducing Competitive Plants: Plant fast-growing varieties in your garden that can out-compete field horsetail for soil nutrients and sunlight. Clover, for instance, can supply your soil with beneficial nutrients, grow rapidly, and overshadow field horsetail.

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Quickly Identify Field horsetail

Coarse, erect stems reach 2 feet (60 cm) with distinctive ridges and joints.

Non-fertile stem nodes bear small sheath-like leaves with dark teeth.

Whorled branches create a segmented appearance with solid angular side branches.

Emergence of green shoots in spring with spore-producing cones at the top.

Moisture-responsive spores aid in dispersal by curling or uncurling for soil penetration.

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Care Guide for Field horsetail

Twice per week

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

0 - 32 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Water: Field horsetail prefers moist environments similar to its natural habitats by water bodies. It needs moderate watering twice a week to maintain health and thrives outdoors, benefiting from rainfall. As a perennial herb, consistent soil moisture is crucial during its growing season.

Propagation: The perennial herbaceous plant field horsetail thrives in moist areas with unique hollow, jointed stems. Propagation through careful division of healthy rhizomes is essential, ensuring root integrity and proper soil conditions for successful establishment and growth of new shoots.

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Images of Field horsetail

Attributes of Field horsetail

Distribution of Field horsetail

Culture

Toxicity

Weed Control

Quickly Identify Field horsetail

Care Guide for Field horsetail

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